That's snow business

There is a long list of things to consider when taking a trip to the snow, writes TOBY HAGON.

30 August 2010Toby Hagon

That's snow business

Cast your eyes over any new car and chances are you'll spot some feature you're unlikely to use. Whether it's the massaging seat in the back of the Lexus LS600h or the night vision system on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class you could safely wager that almost every new car will have something that is rarely used.

But when it comes to taking a car to the alps, you can almost never be over-prepared. Pretty much every new car will happily make the journey, but some will leave you far more relaxed and comfortable than others.

Some features are immediately obvious, but others are more subtle when it comes to being helpful in sub-zero temperatures.

With the 2008 ski season open, Drive thought it was timely to scroll through the specifications lists of new cars to find what makes a great snow vehicle.

Safety first

Perhaps the most useful addition is four-wheel drive, or - as many makers are referring to it - all-wheel drive. Technically the same thing, AWD is a marketing term to describe lightweight 4WD systems, which typically don't have the separate set of low-range gears or a locking centre differential, which can aid traction in more serious off-road conditions.

Either will prove a bonus in slippery conditions, although a proper 4WD system is likely to give you a bit more confidence in really slippery conditions.

The advantages are obvious: AWD halves the chance of wheelspinning, as it diverts drive to all four wheels. That means you're less likely to get stuck and will generally have more control in the slippery stuff.

They also have more practical advantages in that, most of the time, AWD vehicles won't need snow chains, even if it is a requirement to carry them in Victoria.

Another must-have when travelling on potentially treacherous roads is an electronic stability control system, which can individually brake wheels to help control a slide. Depending on the vehicle, ESC is marketed under a wide range of brand names, including ESP (Electronic Stability Control), VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), and more.

As a rule, front-wheel-drive cars will prove easier to control than a rear-wheel drive for most drivers in slippery conditions. There's less chance of a tail slide induced by wheelspin and, if there is a slide, a front-driver will often be easier to bring back under control.

Front-drive vehicles will also have the chains fitted to the steering and driving wheels, aiding traction. Having the weight of the engine over the front wheels is also handy in some situations.

Many new cars also have external temperature gauges, which can be useful in determining the likelihood of black ice, which can be hidden in shadows and provides almost no grip. Some vehicles ? particularly those from Europe - will even provide a warning on the dash of the potential for black ice when the temperature drops below, say, three degrees Celcius.

Other than traction, vision is also a big one for the snow. And, while the drier air of air-conditioning is almost always enough to clear even the most fogged windscreen, it's not always enough in snow.

Useless for most of the year, demisting exterior mirrors are a plus in alpine areas, quickly and simply removing frost and fog build-up on mirrors.

Speaking of fog, foglights front and rear can give other drivers more chance of seeing you if it's snowing or you are in low cloud. Rear foglights are popular on most European cars but are also fitted to others, including Hyundais.

Staying warm

With sub-zero temperatures there's little doubt that staying warm is a necessity. But there's more to a balmy cabin than the heating fans that are found in all new vehicles.

Perhaps the most useful feature is heated seats, which are welcome after a day on the slopes - particularly if you've spent some of the day on your backside. First used by Saab decades ago, it's perhaps no surprise that the Swedish maker fits them as standard to all its vehicles.

As anyone with leather seats will tell you, what they give in comfort most of the time leather seats lack in temperature on a cold morning.

Heated pews are generally available only in front seats, and typically reserved for luxury vehicles, but they filter down to the premium models of more affordable cars.

Families that can afford Benz's S-Class limousine can also have the option of heated seats for the rear passengers.

Then there is the ultimate in driver indulgence - a heated steering wheel, as fitted to vehicles such as the Range Rover. It could be just the thing to top-off a weekend on the slopes.

The Mercedes SLK Roadster even has an Airscarf system that can blow warm air around occupants' heads. So even though it won't keep the snow out in a blizzard, it will help make a crisp, sunny day all the more bearable if you?re keen on having the folding hard-top down.

Even little things, such as the keyless door opening systems common on many luxury cars ? and even the latest Toyota LandCruiser - mean you won't have to fumble for keys or remove gloves to open the door. Simply pull the door handle and, as long as the key is within range of the car, you're in. With some, you can also start the car with the press of a button.

Another useful feature is an automatically closing boot or tailgate, as fitted some luxury wagons, including the Lexus RX330. Also available on some luxury German vehicles, they reduce the need to leave the car in cold weather.

And, for those who don't fancy leaving the comfort of the cabin to check tyre pressures, some new cars come with tyre pressure monitors. They include various German luxury cars, including the Porsche Cayenne off-roader, and the diminutive Mini Cooper.

Skis and gear

Working out where to put skis or snowboards can be an effort with most cars, although some are better than others.

The most obvious place for such bulky gear is to fit roof racks with ski attachments.

But that doesn't help with things such as boots and clothing.

One of the most useful additions in any car is a plastic cargo floor, which makes it easy to clean and will handle wet clothing and boots better than carpet. Nissan's X-Trail is a prime example, boasting a wipeable cargo floor that's perfect for wet gear and boots. It also has a neat underfloor storage system for keeping valuables away from prying eyes.

Ford's new Territory goes one better, with a reversible luggage floor that has a durable plastic coating on one side and carpet on the other.

As for skis, one way to fit them in is by using the split-fold rear seat set-up in many cars, although it reduces the seating options if you're looking to bring friends along.

A better option is the ski bags fitted to many European cars - often as an option - which allow skis to poke through a small hole in the centre of the seats all the while being covered in a plastic lining, which ensures the water and snow stays away from passengers.

Audi is one maker that says its vehicles are regularly used for snow trips - partly because the AWD models are so useful there - so it provides snow bags on many models, including the Allroad off-roader.

All chained up

All cars visiting alpine areas - in Victoria, at least - must carry snow chains, regardless of whether they are the most capable of 4WDs or the sportiest convertibles.

Recent regulation changes also mean owners of some all-wheel-drive vehicles, such as Subarus and Audis, may be required to fit chains.

Another thing to be mindful of is which wheels to put chains on. With all two-wheel-drive vehicles, chains are fitted to the driven wheels, so make sure you know whether your car is front- or rear-wheel drive.

Four-wheel-drives vary; the Ford Territory and Holden Adventra, for example, call for chains on rear wheels, but the Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail recommend the front.

Some 4WDs, such as the Mercedes M-Class, require chains on all four wheels so as not to confuse the electronic traction control system.

But some owners don't realise that not all cars can take chains. Holden's Commodore SS, for example, is not geared for chains because there is not enough clearance around the wheel arches.

Other well-heeled snow machines, such as the Porsche Cayenne, are also hampered because chains aren't made to fit even the smallest, 18-inch tyres the car comes with. Many BMW X5s, too, are fitted with 18-inch wheels and tyres, making chains hard to come by.

However, responding to demand, some dealers are offering short-term hire of 17-inch wheels and tyres - as well as the chains that go with them - for owners who may otherwise struggle to fit chains on the car's standard hoops. Various Audi and BMW dealers, for example, will swap your wheels and tyres for your trip to the snow.

That's not to say some of the snow chain-hire outlets won't find chains to fit bigger wheels and tyres.

Drive Comments

0 Comments

Facebook Comments

Share

Width

Profile

Rim

The size of your tyre is located on the sidewall of your tyre.It will be similar to the sample below.